Newcastle United Striker Demba Ba Set to Sign With Chelsea After Triggering £7m Release Clause

As the transfer window opens, the biggest signing so far looks to be Demba Ba.

Chelsea has made a £7 million offer for Ba, which has triggered the £7 million release clause in Demba Ba’s contract with Newcastle. The clubs are currently in discussions to finalize a deal, and Newcastle United has announced that Ba has been pulled out of tonight’s squad to face Everton at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle has given permission for Demba Ba to speak with Chelsea.

Now that the release clause has been triggered, there’s always the chance that another club could come in with a counter offer, but it looks likely that Ba will be joining Chelsea where he’ll be a superb addition to the squad as a back-up striker to Fernando Torres, allowing manager Rafael Benitez plenty of options to rotate his squad. Also today, Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge will be the guest of Liverpool Football Club at Anfield for tonight’s match against Sunderland. A move from Chelsea to Liverpool is expected to be finalized soon.

Demba Ba signed for Newcastle in June 2011 after joining the club from West Ham United on a three-year deal. Demba Ba is currently the joint second best goalscorer in the Premier League this season with 13 goals.

Meanwhile at St. James’ Park, the pressure will be on Newcastle United tonight. If the club loses against Everton, the club will remain just two points above the relegation zone. And with the impending loss of Demba Ba from their squad, Newcastle United supporters will want owner Mike Ashley to get a replacement striker who can provide the goals needed to keep the team up in the league next season.